On Dec. 5 2013, Joan A. Nickel passed away in her home in Sierra Vista, Ariz.

Joan was born on Aug. 26, 1926 to Orville W. and Louise M. (Arzt) Hutchinson in Flushing N.Y.

In 1950, Joan married Herbert A. Nickel at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. They settled in Connecticut, where they remained for 51 years. It was there that they raised their only son, Christopher.

In 2004 Herb and Joan moved to Moab, Utah, to be closer to their son. In the few short years they lived in Moab, they made many friends and became involved in several community activities.

Joan’s final years were spent in Sierra Vista.

Joan was a gifted musician. She had a beautiful singing voice and performed in many traditional English and Appalachian folk venues. Joan was also a member of an English traditional dance group and performed for many years along with her husband Herb.

An avid bird watcher, reader, and nature lover, Joan was also known for her wonderful cooking and gardening skills.

Joan was loved and will be missed by her many, many friends.

She is survived by her sister, Phyllis A. Bevington, and family; her loving husband, Herb; and daughter-in-law, Linda Whitham, and family.

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